2024 CPS Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Tom Harris
(l to r) Dennis Gebhardt, Tom Harris & Judy Denny
Tom Harris has been an outstanding Peony ambassador for many years. He has devoted countless hours to staffing CPS tables and speaking to the public about CPS and the intricacies of growing peonies. He served on the CPS board of directors as Vice President, then President during a challenging time for the society.
He has supported many Peony events across Canada, bringing blooms in his “famous suitcase”, helping wherever needed, judging, clerking or speaking on behalf of the Canadian Peony Society.
He has been actively involved with the Oshawa Peony Festival as a committee member for nearly 20 years, and is highly respected for his support, and involvement in this long-established event.
He is an award-winning Peony grower, having won all CPS awards at various National shows across Canada.
Tom, with his partner Dennis, have created the Schoolhouse Gardens, (aptly named after the historic school house on the property) where they conduct tours showcasing the hundreds of peonies grown there. All donations from these tours go to the Bridge Hospice Society, in Warkworth, Ontario, which they helped to found and have passionately supported for many years.
The Canadian Peony Society proudly recognizes Tom Harris for his contributions, to the promotion and enjoyment of peony growing in Canada.
The John Simkins Memorial Hybridizer Award for 2024
Bill Wegman
Bill Wegman
As you may know, Bill was the former seed sale lead for the Canadian Peony Society, collecting and recording thousands of peony seeds for dispersal to peony enthusiasts globally. He held this position for many years, with a dedicated passion to ensuring the society was true to its mission of establishing distinctively Canadian Hybrids.
His work as a hybridizer is legendary. His work ethic has continued to strengthen the livelihood of Canadian bred peonies. His seeds offer purchasers the opportunity to grow unique seedlings that have the potential to be very interesting plants. Bill uses excellent parents, and seeds from hand pollinated crosses that are not usually available anywhere else.
His generosity of donating his offsprings to local gardens, in plants, seeds or root forms is incredibly humbling to witness. His unassuming manner of accomplishing so much, and willingness to share information with those interested, is truly stellar. His work will not go unnoticed for future generations, a tribute to his research, and keen interest in producing Canadian peonies for us to enjoy.
2024 Seed Sale
Peony of the Year 2024
Prosperity Maud
For the first time in the history of the Canadian Peony Society's Peony of the Year, we invited our valued members to cast their votes. We are delighted to share that, even though this is an ongoing effort, the response has been truly heartening. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part in the selection of the 2024 Peony of the Year.
It brings us immense joy to unveil the winner, Prosperity Maud—a captivating peachy herbaceous hybrid bred by the late Maurice Ménard, and notably, chosen for the first time through the collective voice of our members.
Who We Are
We are a Society dedicated to the growth and development of Peonies. We are always looking for new members and enthusiasts to join the Society, so join us and come and share your passion!
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Support the Canadian Peony Society. Click the "Donate" button below. Enter the amount you wish to donate in Canadian dollars. You have the option of paying using any major credit card or by Paypal.
Contact Info
Canadian Peony Society
4338 Line 26
St. Pauls, ON N0K 1V0
info@peony.ca